Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 2

Written Answers. - Post Office Network.

Ivan Yates

Question:

18 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the financial arrangements the Government is making for sub post offices in the context of public service work involving other Departments and semi-State companies under her aegis; if An Post has sought a State subsidy from the Government for the retention of the existing number of sub post offices; if so, her response, if any, in this regard; and if she will ensure that the total revenues per transaction paid to sub post offices by the State will not be reduced. [16299/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the recent Government decision to extend the existing contract between the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and An Post for the delivery of social welfare payments and the further development of the post office network through the provision of facilities for citizens.

An inter-departmental group has been established under the aegis of my Department to identify and follow up on opportunities for extending the range of services available through the post office network.

An Post does not receive, nor has it requested, a subsidy from the State. It is a matter for An Post, in consultation with those who hold contracts from the company to operate sub post offices, to decide on the levels of remuneration applicable in that regard.